Goggle imaging systems and methods

ABSTRACT

A goggle system is provided. The goggle system includes a computing device, a goggle device configured to be worn by a user and including a detector configured to simultaneously acquire image data of a subject in a first image mode and a second image mode, at least one eye assembly configured to display at least one of an image in the first image mode, an image in the second image mode, and a hybrid image including pixels of image data from the first image mode and pixels of image data from the second image mode, and a communications module configured to transmit acquired image data from the goggle device to the computing device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Stage Entry of PCT/US2013/022704 filed Jan. 23, 2013, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/589,623 filed Jan. 23, 2012, both of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

This invention was made with government support under grant numbers EB008111 and EB008458 awarded by the National Institutes of Health. The government has certain rights in the invention.

BACKGROUND

The field of the disclosure relates generally to imaging systems and methods, and more specifically, to goggles for displaying a plurality of image modes.

For surgical operations, in the absence of an image guidance system, surgeons typically need to remove large surgical margins around what they perceive as a neoplastic tissue because of the similarity of diseased tissue to surrounding healthy tissue. In some parts of the body such as the brain, surgeons do not have the luxury of removing sizeable healthy tissue for fear of inducing irreparable damage. Despite progress made to enhance the contrast between neoplastic and normal tissues, the human eye is not capable of detecting the contrast signals with high sensitivity in the operating room. This limitation exasperates tumor resection, resulting in the presence of cancerous cells at or near the boundaries of surgically removed tissues.

Recent advances in medical imaging technologies, however, have facilitated the use of imaging instruments to guide surgical resections. However, at least some known imaging systems have relatively low sensitivity and accuracy. Further, at least some known imaging systems generally require high costs, complex instrumentation, and time-consuming image analysis. Moreover, some surgical procedures often require a team of experienced oncologic surgeons, radiologists, and pathologists to work together. Finally, at least some known imaging systems include a graphic display of results on a monitor, which can distract surgeons from focusing on the surgery at hand.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a goggle system is provided. The goggle system includes a computing device, a goggle device configured to be worn by a user and including a detector configured to simultaneously acquire image data of a subject in a first image mode and a second image mode, at least one eye assembly configured to display at least one of an image in the first image mode, an image in the second image mode, and a hybrid image including pixels of image data from the first image mode and pixels of image data from the second image mode, and a communications module configured to transmit acquired image data from the goggle device to the computing device.

In another aspect, a goggle device configured to be worn by a user is provided. The goggle device includes a detector configured to simultaneously acquire image data of a subject in a first image mode and a second image mode, and at least one eye assembly configured to display at least one of an image in the first image mode, an image in the second image mode, and a hybrid image including pixels of image data from the first image mode and pixels of image data from the second image mode.

In yet another aspect, a method for assembling a goggle device is provided. The method includes providing a detector configured to simultaneously acquire image data of a subject in a first image mode and a second image mode, coupling at least one eye assembly to the detector such that the at least one eye assembly is configured to display at least one of an image in the first image mode, an image in the second image mode, and a hybrid image including pixels of image data from the first image mode and pixels of image data from the second image mode, and coupling a fastening device to the at least one eye assembly, the fastening device configured to secure the goggle device to a user.

In yet another aspect, a goggle device for fluorescence imaging configured to be worn by a user is provided. The goggle device includes a head-mounted display configured to switch between optical see-through and video see-through modes, a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) imaging sensor, and a control module configured to interface between the CMOS imaging sensor and a computing device.

In yet another aspect, a method for fluorescence imaging is provided. The method includes administering a fluorescent molecular probe to a subject, observing the subject using a goggle device configured for at least one of visible light and near infrared light imaging, and identifying, using the goggle device, at least one tumor in the subject based on a binding of the fluorescent molecular probe to tissue.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments described herein may be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary goggle system.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the goggle device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an image of an alternative goggle device.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary detector element that may be used with the goggle device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a portion of an exemplary detector array that may be used with the goggle device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a portion of an exemplary pixel array that may be used with the goggle device shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 7A-7C are schematic depictions of images shown on the goggle device shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 8A-8C are images shown on the display of the goggle device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is an image of an alternative goggle device.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the goggle device shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a display module of an alternative goggle device.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of an imaging and illumination module that may be used with the alternative goggle device shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a filter array that may be used with the imaging and illumination module shown in FIG. 12.

FIGS. 14A-14D are exemplary fluorescent molecular probes.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary synthesis for an LS-301 fluorescent molecular probe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments described herein provide a goggle system that includes a goggle device in communication with a computing device. The goggle device enables a user to view a subject in a plurality of imaging modes in real-time. The imaging modes include a hybrid-imaging mode that simultaneously displays pixels of image data of a first imaging mode and pixels of image data of a second imaging mode. Accordingly, a user is able to quickly and easily visualize a subject during a surgical operation.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary goggle system 100. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a goggle device 102 that may be used with goggle system 100. Goggle device 102 may be worn by a user 104, such as a surgeon, and aids user 104 in viewing a subject 106, as described in detail herein. In the exemplary embodiment, goggle device 102 transmits and/or receives data from a computing device 108. Data may be transferred between computing device 108 and goggle device 102 over a wired or wireless network.

In the exemplary embodiment goggle device 102 includes a left eye assembly 110 that displays an image for a left eye of user 104, and a right eye assembly 112 that displays an image for a right eye of user 104. Goggle device 102 further includes a fastening device 114, such as a strap, for securing goggle device 102 to user 104 during use.

Goggle device 102 enables user 104 to view subject 106 in a plurality of image modes. In the exemplary embodiment, goggle device 102 enables user 104 to view a far- or near-infrared (NIR) image of subject 106, a visible light image of subject 106, and a hybrid near-infrared/visible light image of subject 106. Alternatively, goggle device 102 may enable user 104 to view a subject in any image mode and/or combination of image modes, including, for example photoacoustic images, interference images, optical coherence tomography images, diffusion optical tomography images, polarization images, ultrasound images, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images, nuclear images (e.g., positron emission tomography (PET) images, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images), computed tomography (CT) images, gamma-imaging, and X-ray images.

A switch 116 on goggle device 102 enables user 104 to switch between image modes. In the exemplary embodiment, switch 116 is a toggle switch. Alternatively, switch 116 may be any type of switching device that enables goggle device 102 to function as described herein. For example, in one embodiment, switch 116 is a foot pedal, and user 104 activates switch 116 by depressing the foot pedal. In another embodiment, switch 116 is voice-activated.

Switch 116 controls which image mode is displayed on left eye assembly 110 and right eye assembly 112. In the exemplary embodiment, switch 116 controls whether left eye assembly 110 and/or right eye 112 assembly displays a visible light image, a near-infrared image, or a hybrid near-infrared/visible light image. In one embodiment, left eye assembly 110 and right eye assembly 112 each have a respective switch 116. Accordingly, in some embodiments, user 104 may view a first image mode on left eye assembly 110, and a second image mode on right eye assembly 112.

Goggle device 102 further includes sources for imaging. In one embodiment, goggle device includes a white light (i.e. visible light) source 120 and a near-infrared light source 122. White light source 120 and near-infrared light source 122 illuminate subject 106 with visible light and near-infrared light, respectively. In other embodiments, different light sources may be utilized for different specific imaging modes. For example, suitable light sources may be integrated with goggle device 102 to enable capture of photoacoustic images, interference images, optical coherence tomography images, diffusion optical tomography images, polarization images, far infrared images, thermal images, ultrasound images, and nuclear images (e.g., PET, SPECT, CT, gamma-imaging, X-ray).

In the exemplary embodiment, white light source 120 includes a plurality of white light emitting diodes (LEDs), and near-infrared light source 122 includes a plurality of near-infrared LEDs for fluorescence imaging. White light source 120 and near-infrared light source 122 each provide a field of view of approximately 0.3 m in diameter at 1.0 m from the respective source. Alternatively, white light source 120 and near-infrared light source 122 including any components that enable goggle device 102 to function as described herein, such as, for example, laser, laser diodes, light bulbs, or any combination of the aforementioned components. Alternatively, near-infrared light source 122 may include light sources in other wavelengths to enable absorption or luminescence or fluorescence imaging in other spectral windows.

Near-infrared light emitted from near-infrared light source 122 excites fluorescent molecular probes present in subject 106. For example, for a tumor resection operation, a molecular probe capable of fluorescent excitation is injected into a subject. The molecular probe includes a peptide sequence and a near-infrared fluorescent dye, such as indocyanine green dye having absorption and emission maxima around 780 nm and 830 nm, respectively. After injecting the molecular probe into the subject 106, molecular probe binds to tumors.

Accordingly, when near-infrared light from near-infrared light source 122 strikes subject 106, the fluorescent dye in molecular probe is excited. With the fluorescent dye excited, lesions such as tumors can quickly and easily be visualized in the near-infrared imaging mode of goggle device 102. A similar procedure is applicable in other spectral regions.

To transfer data between goggle device 102 and one or more remote devices, such as computing device 108, goggle device includes a communications module 130. In the exemplary embodiment, for transfer of data over a wireless network, communications module 130 includes a radio-frequency (RF) transmitter/receiver. Data transfer can also be accomplished through other suitable platforms such as, for example, bluetooth, WI-FI, infrared (IR) communication, internet, 3G, 4G network, satellite, etc. Communications module 130 may also be transfer data to computing device 108 over a wired connection, such as, for example a USB video capture cable. Communications module 130 enables image data collected by goggles to be displayed and/or stored on computing device 108. Accordingly, image data acquired by goggle device 102 can be viewed not only on goggle device 102, but also computing device 108.

Goggle device 102 includes a power module 140 that supplies power to goggle device 102. In the exemplary embodiment, power module 140 is a battery unit that stores and provides electrical energy to goggle device 102. Alternatively, power module 140 is any device configured to supply power to goggle device 102.

To acquire image data of subject 106 to display on left eye assembly 110 and right eye assembly 112, goggle device 102 includes a detector module 150. In the exemplary embodiment, detector module 150 is a hybrid detector array capable of detecting both near-infrared and visible light. Detector module 150 is mounted on a front of goggle device 102 to collect image data from a direction that user 104 is facing. Detector module 150 displays received image data on left eye assembly 110 and right eye assembly 112 such that left eye assembly 110 and right eye assembly 112 display the same regions of subject 106 that a left eye and right eye of user 104 would observe in the absence of goggle device 102.

FIG. 3 is an image of an alternative goggle device 300 that may be used with goggle system 100 (shown in FIG. 1). Goggle device 300 includes components substantially similar to goggle device 102, and like reference numerals are used herein to identify like components. Unlike goggle device 102, goggle device 300 includes only a single eye assembly 302. As such, when using goggle device 300, one eye of user 104 views subject 106 through single eye assembly 302, and the other eye of user 104 views subject uninhibited (i.e., with the naked eye).

Single eye assembly 302 functions substantially similar to left eye assembly 110 and right eye assembly 112 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). In the exemplary embodiment, single eye assembly 302 covers the left eye of user 104. Alternatively, single eye assembly 302 may cover the right eye of user 104.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a detector element 400 that may be used with detector module 150 to collect image data for goggle device 102 (both shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). Detector element 400 includes a plurality of differential layers 402 (denoted by Dn) along a differential length in continuum. In the exemplary embodiment, each differential layer 402 is a p-n junction 404. In the exemplary embodiment, detector element 400 includes eleven differential layers 402. Alternatively, detector element 400 may include any number of differential layers 402 that enables detector element 400 to function as described herein.

The longer a wavelength of incident light, the deeper the light will penetrate detector element 400. Accordingly, each layer 402 is configured to detect a different frequency range of incident light. For example, in one embodiment, channels D5-D8 detect blue light (i.e., light with a wavelength of approximately 440-490 nm), and the total wavelength spectrum detectable by detector element 400 is less than 300 nm to greater than 1300 nm. By using a continuum of differential layers 402, detector element 400 is capable of simultaneously detecting a broad range of wavelengths of incident light, including visible light (i.e., red, green, and blue light), near-infrared light, and various other wavelengths.

Images can be generated from the image data acquired by a selection of differential layers 402. For example, to generate a visible light image, image data from differential layers 402 corresponding to red, blue, and green light is used. Further, images may be generated using addition, subtraction, integration, differentiation, and/or thresholding of differential layers 402. Accordingly, image data acquired using detector element 400 may be used to generate a variety of images.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a detector array 500 that may be used with detector module 150 (shown in FIG. 2). Detector array 500 includes a plurality of detector elements 502. In some embodiments, each detector element 502 corresponds to one pixel. In the exemplary embodiment, array 500 includes near-infrared detector elements 504 and visible light detector elements 506 arranged in a checkerboard pattern. That is near-infrared detector elements 504 and visible light detector elements 506 alternate in both a horizontal and vertical direction. Notably, this concept is not restricted to near-infrared detector elements or visible pixel elements. That is, for different imaging applications, near-infrared detector elements 504 and/or visible pixel detector elements 506 may be replaced detector elements in other wavelength windows, such as, for example, 500 nm-550 nm, 600 nm-630 nm, 1100 nm-1150 nm, 1200 nm-1300 nm, etc.

In the exemplary embodiment, visible light detector elements 506 are continuum detector elements, such as detector element 400 (shown in FIG. 4), and near-infrared detector elements 504 are single channel detector elements. Alternatively, visible light detector elements 506 and near-infrared detector elements 504 may be any type of detector element that enables detector array 500 to function as described herein.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a pixel array 600 displayed by left eye assembly 110 and right eye assembly 112. Similar to the arrangement of detector array 500, pixel array 600 includes a plurality of pixels 602 including near-infrared pixels 604 and visible light pixels 606 arranged in a checkerboard pattern. In the exemplary embodiment, detector elements 502 correspond to pixels 602. As such, in the exemplary embodiment, to display different imaging modes on left eye assembly 110 and/or right eye assembly 112, different combinations of detector elements 602 are utilized such that different combinations of near-infrared pixels 604 and visible light pixels 606 and are displayed.

For example, when switch 116 (shown in FIG. 1) is set to a visible light imaging mode, visible light pixels 506 are used and near-infrared pixels 504 are not used for imaging, such that visible light pixels 606 create a visible light image. When switch 116 is set to a near-infrared imaging mode, near-infrared pixels 504 are used and visible light pixels 506 are not used for imaging, such that near-infrared pixels 604 create a near-infrared image. Finally, in a hybrid imaging mode, both near-infrared detectors 504 and visible light detectors 506 are used for imaging, creating an image including near-infrared pixels 604 and visible light pixels 606. Filtering for the different imaging modes may be accomplished by a filter and/or polarizer (neither shown).

FIGS. 7A-7C are schematic diagrams of a near-infrared image 702, a visible light image 704, and a hybrid image 706, respectively, that may be displayed on goggle device 102 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). In near-infrared image 702, the molecular probe excited by near-infrared light source 122 (shown in FIG. 1) clearly delineates a tumor 708, but the rest of a subject 710 is not visible. In visible light image 704, subject 710 is visible, but tumor 708 is not visible. In hybrid image 706, however, both tumor 708 and subject 710 are visible. Accordingly, when user 104 views hybrid image 706 on goggle device 102, both tumors 708 and subject 710 are visible, enabling user 104 to better perform a surgical operation.

FIGS. 8A-8C are a near-infrared image 802, a visible light image 804, and a hybrid image 806, respectively, of a mouse 808 with tumors 810. In near-infrared image 802, the tumors 810 are visible, but the rest of mouse 808 is not visible. In visible light image 804, mouse 808 is visible, but tumors 810 are not visible. In hybrid image 806, however, both tumors 810 and mouse 808 are visible. Notably, using communications module 130 (shown in FIG. 2), images 802, 804, and/or 806 may also be viewed on computing device 108 (shown in FIG. 1).

FIG. 9 is an image of an alternative goggle device 900 that may be used with goggle system 100 (shown in FIG. 1). FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the goggle device 900 shown in FIG. 9. In the exemplary embodiment, goggle device 900 is a head-mounted display (HMD) capable of fast temporal resolution and switching between an optical see-through mode and a video see-through mode. In the optical see-through mode, user 104 sees the real world through half-transparent mirrors, and the half-transparent mirrors are also used to reflect computer-generated images into eyes of user 104, combining real and virtual world views. In the video see-through mode, cameras (or other suitable detection devices) capture the real-world view, and computer-generated images are electronically combined with the video representation of the real world view. As both the real and virtual world images are digital in the video see-through mode, lag between the real and virtual world images can be reduced.

In the optical see-through mode, user 104 can visualize surroundings with natural vision. In the video see-through mode, real time NIR fluorescence video is presented to user 104 with relatively high contrast. Allowing user 104 to switch between optical and video see-through modes simplifies surgical operations and allows user 104 to visualize subject 106 with natural vision or enhanced vision as desired.

Goggle device 900 includes a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) imaging sensor 902 integrated onto a custom printed circuit board (PCB) platform (not shown). Alternatively, goggle device 900 may include a charge-coupled device (CCD) imaging sensor. A long-pass filter 904 is mounted on an objective imaging lens 906. In the exemplary embodiment, long-pass filter 904 is an 830 nanometer (nm) filter.

A control module 908 interfaces between CMOS imaging sensor 902 and a computing device 910, such as computing device 108. In the exemplary embodiment, control module 908 includes a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) integration model with universal serial bus (USB) communication capabilities and a laptop computer. Data received by CMOS imaging sensor 902 is read out in multiple stages. In the exemplary embodiment, data from CMOS imaging sensor 902 is read out via a state machine implemented on the FPGA and the data is stored in a first in first out (FIFO) process, and transferred to a first synchronous dynamic random-access memory (SDRAM) chip in control module 908. In the exemplary embodiment, control module 908 includes two SDRAM chips, such that a first SDRAM chip stores pixel data from CMOS imaging sensor 902, while a second SDRAM chip transfers the data to an output FIFO on the FPGA for transferring the data to computing device 910 via universal serial bus (USB). In some embodiments, control module 908 may include a data compression chip for compressing the data.

To display information to user 104, goggle device 900 includes a HMD unit 920 that interfaces with computing device 910 via a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) link to display real time images on HMD unit 920. Goggle device 900 further includes and NIR light source 922 that emits NIR light through illumination optics 924 and a short-pass filter 926 to illuminate fluorescent molecular probes (such as indocyanine green dye) in a surgical field 930. Surgical field 930 may be, for example, a portion of subject 106 (shown in FIG. 1). In the exemplary embodiment, NIR light source 922 includes four NIR LEDs, and short-pass filter 926 is a 775 nm filter.

A sensitivity of goggle device 900 to detect a fluorescence signal from surgical field 930 is characterized using a signal to noise ratio (SNR), which compares a level of desired signal relative to a noise level. Pixel binning and temporal averaging may be used to improve SNR of goggle device 900. Pixel binning involves combining signals from a group of pixels in a spatial domain, which is analogous to increasing the number of photons that contribute to the detected signal. Binning improves the SNR estimate by the square root of the number of pixels binned. For instance, binning a neighborhood of 2 by 2 pixels improves the SNR by a factor of 2. However, improvement in SNR due to binning occurs at the expense of reduced spatial resolution and loss of high spatial frequency components in a final image.

Temporal averaging involves combing signals from a group of pixels in a time domain, which like binning, is also analogous to increasing the number of photons that contribute to the detected signal. Temporal averaging increases SNR by the square root of the number of averaged pixels in the time domain. Hence, temporal averaging of four consecutive frames will increase SNR by a factor of 2. However, temporal averaging may create image lag when a moving target is imaged.

Both temporal averaging and pixel binning may be combined together to further improve SNR. For example, averaging 4 frames as well as averaging a pixel neighborhood of 2 by 2 pixels will improve SNR by a factor of 4, while reducing spatial and temporal resolution by a factor of 4. It was determined experimentally that SNR increases linearly with exposure time at a rate that depends on a concentration of a fluorescent molecular probe (e.g., indocyanine green dye). As the exposure time increases, SNR increases at the cost of a slower frame rate.

Using goggle device 900 experimentally, sentinel lymph node mapping was performed on rats using NIR quantum dots (QDs), and fluorescence-guided liver surgery and intraoperative imaging were performed on mice. Goggle device 900 is capable of real time fluorescence imaging of up to 60 frames per second (fps). Experimentally, it was determined that goggle device 900 detects fluorescence signals as low as 300 picomolar (pM) of indocyanine green dye. Compared to a charge-coupled device (CCD) imaging sensor, which has 20% quantum efficiency at 830 nm, CMOS imaging sensor 902 has a quantum efficiency of greater than 30% at 830 nm. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, goggle device 900 includes one or more buttons and/or switches (neither shown) for user 104 to select automatic or manual gain, and automatic or manual exposure time.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a display module 1101 for an alternative goggle device 1100 that may be used with goggle system 100 (shown in FIG. 1). Similar to goggle device 900, goggle device 1100 is implemented in a dual mode visual and optical see-through HMD. However, unlike goggle device 900, goggle device 1100 provides three-dimensional (3D) imaging and display, as described herein. In one embodiment, a field of view for illumination and imaging of goggle device 1100 is 300 mm×240 mm at a distance between goggle device 1100 and subject 106 of 0.3 m-1.2 m.

Display module 1101 of goggle device 1100 includes a first organic light emitting diode (OLED) 1102 and a second OLED 1104 to display images to a right eye 1106 and left eye 1108, respectively of user 104. First OLED 1102 emits light through a first optical assembly (e.g., imaging and/or focusing lenses) 1110, and second OLED 1104 emits light through a second optical assembly 1112.

OLED display technology provides benefits over liquid crystal display (LCD) technology as it uses approximately 80% less power than LCDs, has a nominal viewing area of approximately 160° (approximately 265% larger than LCDs), a nominal contrast ration of 10,000:1 (as compared to 60:1 for LCDs), and a significantly faster refresh rate, reducing eye fatigue and headaches. The OLED microdisplay is also more compact than its LCD counterpart because no additional illumination is needed. The proposed field of view of the display is 45°×36° with a microdisplay resolution of 1280×1024 (SXGA). In the exemplary embodiment, the pupil size of the goggle device 1100 is 10 mm in diameter. Off-axis design with aspherical plastic elements may be used to reduce the size and weight of goggle device 1100.

To switch between optical and video see-through modes, goggle device 1100 includes a fast liquid crystal shutter 1120 positioned in front of a combiner 1122. In the exemplary embodiment, combiner 1122 is a plastic element with 50% reflection on an inner (i.e., eye-facing) surface such that user 104 can see through combiner 1122 in optical see-through mode, and information from OLEDs 1102 and 1104 can be directed to user 104 in both modes.

When an external voltage is applied, fast liquid crystal shutter 1120 is transparent and transmits light. Without an external voltage, fast liquid crystal shutter 1120 blocks light from the surgical field and environment. Therefore, the goggle device 1110 can be switched between optical and video see-through modes easily and rapidly. In some embodiments, a switch (not shown) may be controlled by a foot paddle to enable hands-free operation. Using the video-see-through mode of goggle device 1100, 3D reflectance images and fluorescence image can be registered and presented precisely. The 3D fluorescence images can also be viewed with the optical-see-through mode, while user 104 views the surrounding environment naturally.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of an imaging and illumination module 1150 for goggle device 1100. For true stereoscopic vision, imaging and illumination module 1150 includes two separate and identical imaging systems, and one illumination system between and above the imaging systems that provides uniform NIR illumination to excite fluorescent molecular probes and visible light illumination for reflectance imaging. Each of the two imaging systems includes a CMOS detector 1152 and an imaging lens 1154 in the exemplary embodiment. CMOS detectors 1152 provide higher resolution and faster frame rates than CCD detectors. In the exemplary embodiment, the distance between the imaging systems is 67 mm (the average inter-pupillary distance for adults).

As shown in FIG. 12, to provide a well-defined and uniform illumination region, the illumination system includes a first LED array 1160 and a second LED array 1162. In the exemplary embodiment, first LED array 1160 is a high power 780 nm LED array that includes 60 diode chips and an optical output power of 4 Watts (W), and second LED array 1162 is a high power white light LED array that includes 16 diode chips to provide uniform illumination over an area of 300×240 mm. The power of NIR excitation is approximately 3 mW/cm² in the exemplary embodiment.

Light from first and second LED arrays 1160 and 1162 is combined using a dichroic mirror 1170 such that the illumination area from both first and second LED arrays 1160 and 1162 overlaps. The combined light is distributed using illumination optics 1172. Illumination optics 1172, in the exemplary embodiment, include freeform plastic lenses (not shown) that generate uniform light distribution and an excitation filter (not shown) that blocks excitation light over 800 nm.

Each CMOS detector 1152 and imaging lens 1154 capture white light reflectance and NIR fluorescence images simultaneously. In the exemplary embodiment, each CMOS detector 1152 includes a sensor of vertically-stacked photodiodes and pixelated NIR/visible spectrum filters. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, CMOS detector 1152 includes an array of 2268×1512 imaging pixels, and each pixel includes three vertically-stacked photodiodes that can separate spectra of blue, green, and red-NIR light for color imaging. As each pixel includes three vertically-stacked diodes, unlike at least some known imaging systems, there is no need to interpolate between neighboring pixels. Experimentation suggests that the quantum efficiency of the vertically-stacked photodiode sensor is approximately 35% at 800 nm, which is significantly better than at least some known CCD sensors and ideal for NIR imaging. The scanning rate of CMOS detector 1152 may be as fast as 40 fps, and a subset of the pixel array can be read out at higher frame rates (e.g., 550 fps for 128×128 pixels).

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a filter array 1300 that may be used with CMOS detector 1152 (shown in FIG. 12). Filter array 1300 alternates between pixels with a visible spectrum filter 1302 and pixels with a NIR filter 1304. Filter array 1300 may be created by taking an NIR filter the size of the entire array 1300 and selectively removing portions using a focus ion beam (FIB). Visible filters 1302, which are the selectively removed parts of the larger NIR filter, will allow passage of visible spectrum light which will be subsequently absorbed by the vertically-stacked photodiodes 1306 for color separation.

Thus, white light reflectance imaging can be achieved with visible pixels. On the other hand, NIR filters 1304 will only allow NIR light of interest (λ>820 nm) to pass, and the NIR signal will be read out from the deepest of vertically-stacked photodiodes 1306. Due to the net effect of both spectrum separation mechanisms (NIR filter 1304 and vertically-stacked photodiodes 1306), the performance of NIR fluorescence detection will be further enhanced compared to conventional method of using an NIR filter alone. The CMOS detector 1152 enables co-registration of color images and NIR images on-chip, while reducing the number of sensors required for 3D reflectance/fluorescence imaging. This facilitates eliminating artifacts in co-registration due to motion and minimizes the delay due to exhausting off-chip computation.

Goggle device 1100 includes an autofocus feature without moving parts that optimizes a focus in the exemplary embodiment. A zoom lens with a compact piezo actuator, or a liquid lens with variable, voltage-dependent focal length may be used to implement the autofocus feature. In the exemplary embodiment, image processing for goggle device 1100 is performed by a FPGA coupled to CMOS detectors 1152 and OLEDs 1102 and 1104.

The goggle devices described herein may be used with or without contrast agents. In the absence of extrinsic contrast agents, imaging signals for endogenous fluorophores or biomolecules may be used to provide imaging contrast. At least some embodiments utilizes NIR fluorescent or luminescent molecules or materials that localize selectively in a tissue of interest. As noted above, indocyanine green dye may be used as a fluorescent molecular probe with the goggle devices described herein. Other fluorescent dyes such as NIR pyrrolopyrrole cyanine dyes or luminescent materials such as quantum dots or dye-loaded nanoparticles may be utilized. However, uptake of high affinity probes in small tumor cells may be overwhelmed by background fluorescence from normal tissue, decreasing contrast between tumor cells and background tissue. Instead, the fluorescent molecules such as dyes, or materials such as luminescent nanoparticles, could be linked to another molecule or group of molecules that will improve selective uptake in the tissues or cells of interest. For example, fluorescent molecular probes that bind selectively to protein receptors or other biomarkers overexpressed in tumor cells or target tissue may also be utilized with the goggle devices described herein.

FIGS. 14A-14D are a plurality of exemplary fluorescent molecular probes. FIG. 14A shows indocyanine green dye. Cypate, shown in FIG. 14B, is an NIR cyanine dye with similar spectral properties to indocyanine green dye. Cypate, LS-276, shown in FIG. 14C, and LS-288, shown in FIG. 14D, are models of hydrophobic, intermediate hydrophilic, and hydrophilic dyes, respectively.

An example of a tumor-targeted molecular probe is LS-301, which has the structure, Cypate-cyclo (D-Cys-Gly-Arg-Asp-Ser-Pro-Cys)-Lys-OH. The spectral properties of LS-301 are suitable for NIR imaging applications (e.g., excitation/emission 790/810 nm in 20% DMSO solution; fluorescence quantum yield (ψ) 0.1 referenced to ICG). The ABIR binding affinity for LS-301 is Ki=26.2±0.4 nM relative to reference cypate-labeled RGD peptide (Ki=1.2±0.7 nM). In addition to conferring tumor selectivity on LS-301, the unnatural D-cysteine on the peptide moiety confers higher stability because of its resistance to degradation by proteases. This biological stability in serum allows initial imaging and potential follow-up surgery to be conducted within 48 hours before subsequent hydrolysis of the probe through L-amino acid residues.

Experimentally, NIR fluorescence microscopy of LS-301 in diverse tumor cells showed punctate intracellular fluorescence typical of receptor-mediated endocytosis, and barely visible uptake in non-tumor cells. This uptake was successfully inhibited with unlabeled cyclic (RGDFV) reference peptide in A549 tumor cells, demonstrating the versatility of the imaging probe in detecting tumors relative to non-tumor cells.

Hydrophobic dyes such as cypate bind to albumin and other proteins. The high binding constant decreases their bioavailability for the target tumors and prolongs the blood circulation time, thereby increasing background fluorescence at early imaging time points. In contrast, more hydrophilic dyes and their peptide conjugates rapidly extravasate into tissues, quickly removing the probe from circulation. Although the hydrophilic probes are suitable for image-guided surgery because of the fast clearance, the contrast between tumor and surrounding tissue also depends on having sufficient time for molecular interaction between the target tumor proteins and the molecular probe. Thus, the low background signal obtained may be offset by the low signal at the tumor site. Experimental data suggests that LS-276 dye (shown in FIG. 14C) will bridge the gap between rapid and delayed blood clearance, which affects bioavailability of the probes to target tissue.

Due to a direct linkage of carboxylic acid with a phenyl group in LS-276, LS-276 may have a relatively low reactivity with peptides and proteins, resulting in multiple side products that are difficult to remove. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a fluorophore based on a benzyl instead of the current phenyl carboxylic acid used for LS-276 may be utilized. Since the pure compound is a solid, re-crystallization methods may be used where ethylacetate and chloroform mixtures are used to precipitate the dye in >99% HPLC/HRMS purity. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of the synthesis of reactive benzlycaboxlyic acid for solid phase labeling of LS-301 peptide. Using this derivative of LS-276 may double the quantum yield of cypate used in LS-301. In some embodiments, the method may produce the desired compound in high yield (>70%) and purity (>99%). The method is also scalable, with the potential to produce up to 10 grams of compound.

In some embodiments, the LS-301 peptide may be slighted altered to assess further improvements in tumor selectivity (e.g., cyclo(DCys-Gly-Arg-Asp-Ser-Pro-DCys)-Lys-OH, cyclo(Cys-Gly-Arg-Asp-Ser-Pro-Cys)-Lys-OH, cyclo(Cys-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-Pro-Cys)-Lys-OH, cyclo(DCys-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-Pro-Cys)-Lys-OH, and cyclo(DCys-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-Pro-DCys)-Lys-OH). These peptides are labeled with dye 2 at the N-terminus.

The goggle devices and fluorescent probes described herein may be implemented in a plurality of surgical settings, including, but not limited to, detecting tumors related to breast cancer in mice, adenocarcinoma in canines, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in humans. The goggle devices and fluorescent probes described herein assist in identifying tumor boundaries and performing biopsies. The goggle devices and fluorescent probes described herein are also applicable to other surgical interventions such as cardiac surgery and assessing wound healing.

In one example, goggle device 102 (shown in FIG. 1) and the fluorescent probe LS-301 described herein were utilized in mapping positive lymph nodes (PLNs) in mice. Based on information provided by non-invasive fluorescence imaging using goggle device 102 and LS-301, regions of interest that might contain PLNs were explored and examined PLNs were identified and resected under image guidance. The presence of cancerous tissue in the PLNs was confirmed by bioluminescence imaging. This verifies the feasibility of the non-invasive fluorescence imaging, allowing clinicians to rapidly stage cancer non-invasively. Using goggle device 102 and fluorescent probe LS-301 non-invasively can provide a first-line screening that provides general information in an operating room in real time. Further, the fluorescence signals monitored in PLNs might be used as an indicator for efficacy of treatment regimes such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.

In another example, a multimodal detection technique was implemented in which goggle-aided fluorescence imaging (e.g., using goggle device 102 (shown in FIG. 1) and indocyanine green dye) was combined with ultrasound imaging and standard histology. Specifically, fluorescence imaging was used to detect liver tumors in mice and to perform liver resections on the tumors. In addition to single tumors, scattered satellite lesions were also detected. Further, liver resection was performed on a rabbit using ultrasound, fluorescence imaging, and standard histology. The presence of tumors in the rabbit was confirmed by ultrasound, and then observed in real time using fluorescence goggle system 100 (shown in FIG. 1). The excised tissues were later examined by histopathology, and it was confirmed that the tumors were cancerous.

In another example, goggle device 102 (shown in FIG. 1) and indocyanine green dye were used to image hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in human patients. Both intravenous and transarterial hepatic (TAH) delivery of indocyanine green dye were used. Primary tumors and satellite tumors were both detected using fluorescence imaging, some of which were not identified in pre-operative MRI and CT images or by visual inspection and palpation. Histologic validation was used to confirm HCC in the patients. The HCC-to-liver fluorescence contrast detected by goggle device 102 was significantly higher in patients that received TAH delivery instead of intravenous delivery.

The systems and methods described herein provide a goggle device in communication with a computing device. The goggle device enables a user to view a subject in a plurality of imaging modes in real-time. The imaging modes include a hybrid-imaging mode that simultaneously captures and displays pixels of image data of a first imaging mode and pixels of image data of a second imaging mode. Accordingly, a user is able to quickly and easily visualize a subject during a surgical operation.

Notably, the goggle system and goggle device described herein may be utilized in a broad variety of medical applications, including small animal imaging, veterinary medicine, human clinical applications, endoscopic applications, laparoscopic applications, dental applications, cardiovascular imaging, imaging inflammations, wound healing, etc. Further, the goggle system and goggle device described herein may be used in other imaging applications, outside of the medical field.

The order of execution or performance of the operations in the embodiments of the disclosure illustrated and described herein is not essential, unless otherwise specified. That is, the operations may be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified, and embodiments of the disclosure may include additional or fewer operations than those disclosed herein. For example, it is contemplated that executing or performing a particular operation before, contemporaneously with, or after another operation is within the scope of aspects of the disclosure.

When introducing elements of aspects of the disclosure or embodiments thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

This written description uses examples to disclose the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A goggle system comprising: a computing device; and a goggle device configured to be worn by a user and comprising: a detector configured to simultaneously acquire image data of a subject in a first image mode configured to detect a plurality of fluorescent molecular probes in a state of excitation in a subject, the excitation caused by a near infrared light source coupled to the goggle device, and a second image mode configured to detect the subject in visible light illuminated by a white light source emitting white light in the visible light spectrum, the white light source coupled to the goggle device; at least one eye assembly configured to display an image including pixels of the acquired image data in real-time, the image selectable from a first mode image including pixels of image data from the first image mode, a second mode image including pixels of image data from the second image mode, and a hybrid image including pixels of image data from the first image mode and pixels of image data from the second image mode; and a communications module configured to transmit acquired image data from said goggle device to said computing device.
 2. A goggle system according to claim 1, wherein said white light source comprises a plurality of white light emitting diodes.
 3. A goggle system according to claim 1, wherein said goggle device further comprises a fluorescence excitation light source, the fluorescence excitation light source providing a view of 0.3 meters in diameter at a distance of 1 meter from the subject.
 4. A goggle system according to claim 1, further comprising a fluorescence excitation light source detached from said goggle device.
 5. A goggle system according to claim 1, wherein the first image mode and the second image mode are each one of a far infrared image mode, a near infrared image mode, a visible light image mode, a photoacoustic image mode, an interference image mode, an optical coherence tomography image mode, a diffusion optical tomography image mode, a polarization image mode, an ultrasound image mode, a nuclear image mode, a computed tomography image mode, a gamma image mode, and an X-ray image mode.
 6. A goggle system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said plurality of first image mode detector elements and said plurality of second image mode detector elements comprises a plurality of alternating layers containing p-n junctions.
 7. A goggle system according to claim 1, wherein said goggle device further comprises a switch configured to switch between different imaging modes displayed in real-time on said at least one eye assembly.
 8. A goggle system accordingly to claim 1, wherein said detector comprises a detector array comprising: a plurality of first image mode detector elements; and a plurality of second image mode detector elements, wherein said first and second image mode detector elements are arranged in a checkerboard pattern.
 9. A goggle system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one eye assembly includes a pixel array comprising: a plurality of first image mode pixels; and a plurality of second image mode pixels, wherein said first and second image mode pixels are arranged in a checkerboard pattern.
 10. A goggle device configured to be worn by a user and comprising: a detector configured to simultaneously acquire image data of a subject in a first image mode configured to detect a plurality of fluorescent molecular probes in a state of excitation in a subject, the excitation caused by a near infrared light source coupled to the goggle device, and a second image mode configured to detect the subject in visible light illuminated by a white light source emitting white light in the visible light spectrum, the white light source coupled to the goggle device; and at least one eye assembly configured to display an image including pixels of the acquired image data in real-time, the image selectable from a first mode image including pixels of image data from the first image mode, a second mode image including pixels of image data from the second image mode, and a hybrid image including pixels of image data from the first image mode and pixels of image data from the second image mode.
 11. A goggle device according to claim 10, wherein the white light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.
 12. A goggle device according to claim 10, further comprising a fluorescence excitation light source, the fluorescence excitation light source providing a view of 0.3 meters in diameter at 1 meter from the subject.
 13. A goggle device according to claim 10, wherein said detector is configured to acquire visible light image data in the first image mode and fluorescence image data in the second image mode.
 14. A goggle device according to claim 10, wherein at least one of said plurality of first image mode detector elements and said plurality of second image mode detector elements comprises a plurality of alternating layers containing p-n junctions.
 15. A goggle device according to claim 10, wherein said goggle device further comprises a switch configured to switch between different imaging modes displayed in real-time on said at least one eye assembly.
 16. A goggle device according to claim 10, wherein said at least one eye assembly comprises: a left eye assembly configured to display an image in real-time to a left eye of the user; and a right eye assembly configured to display an image in real-time to a right eye of the user.
 17. A goggle device according to claim 10, wherein said detector comprises a detector array comprising: a plurality of first image mode detector elements; and a plurality of second image mode detector elements, wherein said first and second image mode detector elements are arranged in a checkerboard pattern.
 18. A goggle device according to claim 10, wherein said at least one eye assembly includes a pixel array comprising: a plurality of first image mode pixels; and a plurality of second image mode pixels, wherein said first and second image mode pixels are arranged in a checkerboard pattern.
 19. A method for assembling a goggle device comprising: providing a detector configured to simultaneously acquire image data of a subject in a first image mode configured to detect a plurality of fluorescent molecular probes in a state of excitation in a subject, the excitation caused by a near infrared light source coupled to the goggle device, and a second image mode, configured to detect the subject in visible light illuminated by a white light source emitting white light in the visible light spectrum, the white light source coupled to the goggle device; coupling at least one eye assembly to the detector such that the at least one eye assembly is configured to display an image including pixels of the acquired image data in real-time, the image selectable from a first mode image including pixels of image data from the first image mode, a second mode image including pixels of image data from the second image mode, and a hybrid image including pixels of image data from the first image mode and pixels of image data from the second image mode; and coupling a fastening device to the at least one eye assembly, the fastening device configured to secure the goggle device to a user.
 20. A method in accordance with claim 19, further comprising: coupling a white light source to the at least one eye assembly, the white light source comprising a plurality of white light emitting diodes; and coupling a fluorescence excitation light source to the at least one eye assembly, the fluorescence excitation light source providing a view of 0.3 meters in diameter at 1 meter from the subject.
 21. A method in accordance with claim 19, wherein coupling at least one eye assembly comprises coupling at least one eye assembly configured to display in real-time a hybrid image including visible light pixels. 